Q and A

You should expect someone who can do a safe clean and straight piercing for you. There are a lot of variables when it comes to piercing. You should expect a fair price. You should expect a sober piercer.

Information is power. A client should listen to the info I provide before we ever start. I”m going to make sure a client understands the ins and outs about the piercing and aftercare. Once done I’ll send home the piercing aftercare sheet. You can also go to this page of the website for more info.

It depends on the place of the body. There are some piercings that some people take for granted. For instance the nostril piercing has a lot of nerve endings and can be more painful than a lot of other piercings. However, everyone is different so I don’t assume one person will react the same as another. Thats why I make sure everyone is comfortable before we begin. The best way to prevent pain is to go as quickly, efficiently, and painlessly as possible. However, quality and placement should never be sacrificed for a few moments of pain.

Ear assembly types of piercings are some of my favorite. The fitting, piercing, and custom nature of it is a challenge that I enjoy working on to help create a one of a kind look for a client. Genital piercings are enjoyable as well (male or female) because the client in most cases has wanted the piercing for some time and is usually a more knowledgable consumer. Because the genital piercing is an enhancement piercing there is a lot more satisfaction in helping that type of client.

I can modify and change jewelry and have a couple of companies I use who can create custom jewelry as needed. I can shorten and bend items and change out beads when requested. The high end companies I use can create items to match specific needs.

There are three options when it comes to surface piercings. Surgical grade Stainless Steel is the least flexible and not for areas which require lots of flexibility. PTFE, a slightly flexible plastic piercing, which has a little bit of structure to it provides a bit more flex. Tygon is a silicone based piercing which is better when lots of flexibility is needed is the third choice. If you need a little more give, Tygon is the way to go.

Make sure its a piercing you can handle. If you get a facial piercing that can leave a lasting mark, make sure you weigh that decision against future plans. If you can’t take care of a piercing don’t get it either. Lastly, your lifestyle needs to be considered before considering the type of piercing.

I’m also the manager here at Hula Moon. Its sometimes akin to herding cats really. I keep track of the availability of the artists and when I’m not piercing I’m in the front room. I’m up there talking to customers before they talk to the artists weeding out the bad ideas and enforcing the good ones. I’m showing them portfolios, getting ideas on what they want, and then I go to all the artists and get a price quote. Basically taking care of all the odds and ends.

The high point in any piercing or tattoo is when the customer gets up to look in the mirror when you’re done. They’ve seen it in their head a bunch of times, but when they get to see it for the first time there is this look of satisfaction, this shit eating grin that makes the job worth it. Being part of that is amazing. Thats the highlight of my day.

I was a little kid when I pierced my left ear. I stole some earrings from Woolworth’s and the next day on the school bus bouncing around on the interstate I shoved it through and wore it all day. From there it snowballed. I pierced half the kids at school and it was history from there.

Believe it or not I like to sew. I was in boyscouts growing up. The sewing badge was one of my first ones. From there it was custom costumes. Now its custom saddlebags, chaps, and jeans. I’m not exactly Project Runway, but I’ve got the Batman outfit down.

To create a special look or assembly it make take multiple sessions to complete, but in most cases its possible. To get a thicker gauge piercing it’ll take time. If your body won’t support a piercing I’ll let you know upfront.

I’d have to look at it in person to know for sure. Scar Tissue, infections, how long its been since the initial piercing, and how you’re built all go into how well a re-piercing will work. However, its easier to prevent problems than it is to fix them. Make sure you look out for certain things before getting a piercing.

Make sure you see new sets of gloves, a mask, fresh packages around needles, or if you ever feel uneasy or unsafe, trust your gut and walk out. Follow your intuition always. I’ll do the same thing on my side. I’ll never talk you into a piercing. If you’re not comfortable, I’ll ask you to take some time to think it over and come back when you’re ready.

If its above the waist and its a single point piercing for a ring its $20 and for a barbell its $30. Below the waist for a single point piercing a ring is $40 and for a barbell $50. Most standard surface piercings are $40/piece. Dermal anchors are $60/piece. Jewelry is included in the price and the price is the same for male or females.

The uvula. A girl came in and asked for the piercing. We had to test for gag reflex first. We tested with a que tip in the back of the throat, then with a clamp. Zero gag reflex. For the next week I practiced using a makeshift setup. After a week I customized the needles to fit in the back of the throat and completed it perfectly. Unfortunately her parents made her get rid of the piercing shortly after since she was still living at home. She loved it so much though that when she finally moved out, she came back in and we pierced it again!

Experience and that I can freehand pierce without clamps. A lot of piercers can’t do this. If you have tight skin, you’ll need someone with the experience necessary to be able to pierce without clamps. I’ve also seen and done most piercings. With my experience I know how to avoid issues that other piercers might not even know to look for.